Opal Henderson joined BronxWorks in pursuit of her heart’s passion to work with young people in her community. Opal originally came to New York City to pursue teaching, but instead she began her career in the banking industry. She attended Bronx Community College and graduated from Lehman College with a degree in Accounting. Opal found great success in the financial field and even considered going back to school to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, despite her strengths in this industry, Opal remained passionate about and drawn to teaching.
Opal heard about BronxWorks from a friend and employee, who was being promoted within the organization and leaving their Internship Coordinator position. When she learned of the immense work BronxWorks does and the ability to work with older youth as an Internship Coordinator, she jumped at the opportunity. Opal started in this position in May 2022 at the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), a NYC public high school designed for youth aged 16-21 who are under-credited. Opal’s previous work experiences have aided in her work at JCTS; “I’m able to impart knowledge and lessons learned to my students,” says Opal. “I tell them, If I can do this, so can you.” After just a year as Internship Coordinator, Opal was promoted to Program Director of JCTS.
As the BronxWorks Program Director at JCTS, Opal works in collaboration with the school principal, teachers, and other BronxWorks staff to ensure that the students have the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. She also facilitates connections for students to other BronxWorks services, such as workforce development, college preparation, food access, and more. Many older students are facing challenges that hinder their ability to finish school on the intended timeline, and JCTS offers a support system for them as they have a second chance to earn their high school diploma. Opal and the other dedicated staff at JCTS empower the students to see beyond their circumstances and instill a sense of hope for the future. “I see myself as a driving force for the future, sparking a light within them to see beyond right now.”
Now fulfilling her heart’s passion, Opal says it is never a struggle to go to work. While every day can present a new challenge, she and her colleagues care deeply about their students and work tirelessly to see them succeed. Opal values the abundance of resources BronxWorks has beyond JCTS because she can support her students, as well as their families, with whatever services they may need.
If there’s a way to get it done, BronxWorks will make a way.
Both within and beyond her work, Opal loves to meet new people. She also enjoys traveling outside of work and has recently visited Jamaica, San Diego, Delaware, the Dominican Republic, England, and the Cayman Islands.
Opal Henderson joined BronxWorks in pursuit of her heart’s passion to work with young people in her community. Opal originally came to New York City to pursue teaching, but instead she began her career in the banking industry. She attended Bronx Community College and graduated from Lehman College with a degree in Accounting. Opal found great success in the financial field and even considered going back to school to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, despite her strengths in this industry, Opal remained passionate about and drawn to teaching.
Opal heard about BronxWorks from a friend and employee, who was being promoted within the organization and leaving their Internship Coordinator position. When she learned of the immense work BronxWorks does and the ability to work with older youth as an Internship Coordinator, she jumped at the opportunity. Opal started in this position in May 2022 at the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), a NYC public high school designed for youth aged 16-21 who are under-credited. Opal’s previous work experiences have aided in her work at JCTS; “I’m able to impart knowledge and lessons learned to my students,” says Opal. “I tell them, If I can do this, so can you.” After just a year as Internship Coordinator, Opal was promoted to Program Director of JCTS.
As the BronxWorks Program Director at JCTS, Opal works in collaboration with the school principal, teachers, and other BronxWorks staff to ensure that the students have the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. She also facilitates connections for students to other BronxWorks services, such as workforce development, college preparation, food access, and more. Many older students are facing challenges that hinder their ability to finish school on the intended timeline, and JCTS offers a support system for them as they have a second chance to earn their high school diploma. Opal and the other dedicated staff at JCTS empower the students to see beyond their circumstances and instill a sense of hope for the future. “I see myself as a driving force for the future, sparking a light within them to see beyond right now.”
Now fulfilling her heart’s passion, Opal says it is never a struggle to go to work. While every day can present a new challenge, she and her colleagues care deeply about their students and work tirelessly to see them succeed. Opal values the abundance of resources BronxWorks has beyond JCTS because she can support her students, as well as their families, with whatever services they may need.
If there’s a way to get it done, BronxWorks will make a way.
Both within and beyond her work, Opal loves to meet new people. She also enjoys traveling outside of work and has recently visited Jamaica, San Diego, Delaware, the Dominican Republic, England, and the Cayman Islands.
